Poland's National Center for Research and Development (NCBiR), the Agency for Industrial Development (ARP) and private firms invest in developing homegrown shale reserves

Poland has the potential to become a global shale gas expert, according to national science minister Barbara Kudrycka

Public and private firms will invest PLN 1 billion (USD 290m) in financing projects aimed at developing Polish shale gas production technologies, according to reports this week.

One quarter each will come from the National Center for Research and Development (NCBiR), the Agency for Industrial Development (ARP). The remaining money will come from companies from industries interested in commercialising shale technology.

Thanks to the investment program, Poland has the potential to become a global shale gas expert, she added.

"The research will provide valuable support for the development of [Poland's] shale gas industry. Poland may become the next major producer of this fuel after the United States, and gain substantial independence from imported gas. We can also develop original, homegrown technologies of gas production from shale," said ARP vice president Jerzy Góra in a statement.